FEC vs. FECRT

What is the difference between a FEC and a FECRT?

FEC stands for Faecal Egg Count, which measures the number of parasite eggs in a faecal sample, while FECRT (Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test) uses FEC data to assess the efficacy of an anthelmintic (deworming) treatment by comparing pre- and post-treatment egg counts.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Faecal Egg Count (FEC):

• This is a simple test where a faecal sample is analysed to determine the number of parasite eggs present per gram of manure.

• It's used to identify the presence and severity of parasitic infections.

• The results are typically expressed as eggs per gram of faeces (EPG).

Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT):

• This test uses the FEC to evaluate the effectiveness of an anthelmintic (deworming) treatment.

• It involves taking FEC samples before and 10-14 days after treatment with an anthelmintic (deworming) drug.

• The reduction in the number of eggs after treatment is calculated and used to determine if the treatment was effective.

• A significant reduction in egg counts indicates that the anthelmintic was effective, while a small or no reduction suggests that the treatment may not be working, possibly due to anthelmintic resistance.

• FECRT is a crucial tool for monitoring anthelmintic efficacy and detecting potential resistance in livestock.

“Horse manure on grass” by RIDEC, licensed via Adobe Stock